Technology bursary fund set up

Nov 14, 2007

The South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE) has established a fund specifically dedicated to providing bursaries, loans and awards to applicants pursuing tertiary studies for a diploma in electrical engineering at a university of technology.

The funds became available as a result of the incorporation of the South African Institute of Electrical Technician Engineers (SAIETE) into the SAIEE in 2002. SAIETE was dedicated to serving the interests of the electrical technician community, however, following on discussions with the SAIEE it was agreed that it was in the best interests of this sector of the profession to merge with the Institute. Final transfer of SAIETE’s funds and assets to the Institute was effected in February 2007 and this capital was used, as requested by SAIETE, to establish the Jack Yelland Bursary Fund, in memory of a Fellow of both organisations. According to SAIEE president, Ian McKechnie, Jack Yelland worked tirelessly on behalf of the profession for a period of over 50 years and was also an honorary Fellow of the SAIEE which is the highest award of the Institute.“This is a fitting memorial to a man who championed the promotion of the electrical engineering discipline and the development of engineers in their careers,” McKechnie says. Chris Yelland, well known editor and publisher in SA for many years and Jack Yelland's son, adds that he and his family are delighted that their father's legacy to the engineering profession is one that will continue to promote the sector and bring another generation of young people into the engineering fold."This would have truly pleased my father," says Yelland.The first bursary will be granted in 2008.